~ Oh! The things you'll find…

Light Restoration

Remember our DIY newbie friend Christina? Oh how much can change in a year! She’s been rehabbing Casa Rosada on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, and I think she’s officially graduated to pro level DIYer.

Take, for instance, this cast iron light fixture. Stripped of its metallic hues, it left quite a bit to be desired. But, with some research and a little advice from a seasoned pro, she transformed it back to its gilded glory!

Using metallic spray paint instead gold leaf ensured it’s lengthened durability and strength against humidity (and saved a lot of time and money). There were a few spots close to the sockets that were spotty due to protective tape, which colored sharpies hid well.

And here’s the finished product! Once it’s mounted, the light bulbs will hide any rehab imperfections, and illuminate with the sparkle originally intended.

When you’re tackling a project like this, it’s always important to have a clear vision or actual picture of what you want your final product to look like. It’s easy to get lost in the details of something like this up close, only to lose it all once it’s mounted to the ceiling. Use materials and products wisely – oil or latex based paints won’t do well while heated, and applications like gold leaf may not weather the weather well. The Navy had a saying in the 1960s – Keep It Simple Stupid, and I think it’s well applied to rehab projects!